Shoe Removal for Water Crossings

[footslogger]

Would like to get a better feeling for how many hikers just plod across the rivers/stream versus how many hikers stop and change to a water shoe.

I know it can be a pain to stop (especially if it is frequently) to untie and changeover footwear but personally I've had better luck with foot comfort on distance hikes when I did not hike in wet shoes, outside of when I was hiking in a downpour.

Thanks in advance ...

[Magnet_]

I was wearing boots so really wanted to avoid getting them soaked. In the beginning, I would switch to my "water crossing shoes." But those got sent home rather quickly when I bailed into Lone Pine to ditch weight (my pack was 60 lbs and i weighed 110, ha! :eek: ). On days when I knew there would be several crossings, I just gave in and got them soaked from the start. On days where the crossings were further between, I would switch to my camp shoes if the crossing was tame. But usually, I'd just plod on through. Then, on the far side, stop, take them off dump out the water and wring out my socks. I would stop periodically to wring out the socks as they soaked up more water from the boot.

[AlohaTink]

I switch to Off Road Crocs when I carry them with me...if not I do cross in my boots with the inserts and of course my socks removed first.

[chai guy]

In the Sierra it seems that you are constantly crossing water, snow melt/slush, and puddles. If you took your shoes off every time you'd never make any miles.

I'd just air out my feet at lunch and on long breaks.

[girlscout]

yeah, i don't think anybody bothers to take off their shoes in the sierra, because not only are there a million fords, but even when you're not fording, the trail is often a snow-melt stream, either that or you're in the snow... so wet shoes are inevitable. i personally didn't suffer any ill effects from my boots/feet being constantly wet. ymmv.

[footslogger]

Somewhat related ...did anyone wear the waterproof Gortex or Sealskins oversocks in the snow to keep their feet dry and a little warmer ??

Thanks

[George]

I wear boots and occasionally just remove my socks for water crossings. Getting your socks wet is one way of keeping them a bit cleaner anyhow. ;)
Always keep the boots on though. (support/protection)
Don't personally think you'd need any kind of 'oversock' to keep your feet warm in the snow - I found my feet were always warm enough with the pounding they were getting! :)
Cheers, Geo.